The Mayor of Casterbridge
By
Thomas Hardy
Character Analysis
Susan

Hardy purposely drew Susan as a vague character. Before the end of the third chapter it becomes clear that she has suffered an outrage not to be endured. If her character were outlined more definitely, Hardy would be running the risk of displacing the focus from Henchard to Susan and give her a more assertive part in the plot. Thus it is unnecessary to speculate on what her life would have been like if Henchard had not auctioned her off. It is clear, however, that her simple nature lends her an innocence and trust that almost surpass the bounds of credibility. She believes pessimistically that the events of her life have been structured by an unkind fate, and she does not look to mankind for assistance.